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Bookshop's Favorite Graphic Novels for Kids

Whether your kid is a reluctant or a voracious reader, graphic novels are a perfect fit! Get ready for a visual feast with this collection of Bookshop Santa Cruz's favorite graphic novels for kids. They feature stunning artwork and engaging stories that will keep kids entertained for hours. From superheroes to everyday heroes, these graphic novels feature a diverse range of characters and themes that kids can relate to. These are a great way to introduce your child to the exciting world of graphic novels!

Mexikid by Pedro Martín

When a Mexikid (a kid born in the US to Mexican parents) goes on a family trip to Mexico in the 1970s to bring his abuelito back home to Watsonville, California, hilarity ensues. This fun but sensitive journey for a very large, close-knit family is full of border crossings, fireworks, chilaquiles, primos, mariachis, and stories of the Mexican Revolution. Pedro Martin’s graphic memoir is about family history, identity, and “finding your grito.”—Noreen

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Mexikid By Pedro Martín, Pedro Martín (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Pedro Martín, Pedro Martín (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9780593462294
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial Books - August 1st, 2023

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

Milo gets sent down into his family’s new basement to retrieve a missing sock, but the basement is much deeper and stranger than he could’ve imagined. Lurking in the dark is a creature bent on foiling Milo’s quest. As always, Hatke (of Mighty Jack fame) creates vivid artwork. Filled with twists, turns, and a lot of heart, this story is sure to satisfy newer graphic novel initiates’ thirst for horror without being scary enough to need the nightlight. —Ivy

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Things in the Basement By Ben Hatke Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9781250909541
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: First Second - August 29th, 2023

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

When July Chen, a twelve-year-old girl who can see ghosts, rescues William Xiao, the two kids learn that their pasts are eerily connected. Years ago, one of them wasn’t supposed to survive and now otherworldly beings are trying to restore that imbalance. Remy Lai brings a light-hearted goofiness to a spooky subject with this story of friendship and the power of being remembered. Great for kids who like ghost stories, but don’t want anything too scary.—Alana

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Ghost Book By Remy Lai Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9781250810434
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks - August 15th, 2023

Hellaween by Moss Lawton

Magic lights up the night as both skateboards and broomsticks race toward movies and malls. In this graphic novel, monsters and friendship go hand-in-hand, leaving us to question what’s scarier—nearly being killed or just being ignored? Moss Lawton’s sharp work on shows like Invader Zim and Monster High is wonderfully evident in both story and art in this fun/ny entry into the spooky teen genre, proving (as so many of us know) that Halloween is the best season. —Jocelyn

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Hellaween By Moss Lawton Cover Image
$13.99
ISBN: 9780593524282
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Razorbill - August 8th, 2023

When Stars Are Scattered written by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

An unforgettable true story of two Somali brothers living in a refugee camp in Kenya. Separated from their mother, Omar tries to find hope through education. He also cares for his younger brother who has a seizure disorder and can't speak. Through hope, love and resilience, the author paints a powerful picture of refugee life. — Noreen

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When Stars Are Scattered By Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson (Illustrator), Iman Geddy (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson (Illustrator), Iman Geddy (Illustrator)
$13.99
ISBN: 9780525553908
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial Books - April 14th, 2020

The Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane

Drago, a kid vampire, has been living a life of bliss alongside their two friends—until their old master returns and asks them to find her spellbook or they'll be turned into worms! Throughout the graphic novel we get glimpses of each of the character's origin stories intertwined with their thrilling adventures in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.

—Andrea C.

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The Accursed Vampire By Madeline McGrane, Madeline McGrane (Illustrator) Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780062954343
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Quill Tree Books - July 27th, 2021

Mamo by Sas Milledge

Mamo weaves together magic, nature, grief, romance, adventure, and complex family relationships all in one beautiful story. It follows Orla, a witch who must return home after her grandmother passes, and Jo, who quickly bond with Orla after enlisting her help. This book captures all the magic of a Studio Ghibli film with its own unique style. I immediately fell in love with it! 

—Alana

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Mamo By Sas Milledge Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9781684158171
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: BOOM! Box - April 19th, 2022

Adventuregame Comics: Leviathan by Jason Shiga

Shiga's newest offering to the comics world, a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style medieval fantasy graphic novel, allows for hours of absorbing fun as the reader navigates puzzles, mazes, and clever design to defeat the legendary Leviathan. Shiga has created a panacea for all those harried parents of video-game addicted children. This comic plays just like an RPG and is bound to feel as satisfying when completed. — Yves

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Adventuregame Comics: Leviathan (Book 1) By Jason Shiga Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9781419757792
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams - September 13th, 2022

Kariba written by Daniel & James Clarke

After a fearful encounter with an elephant, Suki untaps a power that she didn’t know she had. While her father, Tongai, leaves for the Kariba Dam in hopes of finding a cure to remove this newfound ability, Suki is pulled into a surprisingly personal battle. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel reads like an animated adventure and is a great fit for fans of Avatar, The Last Airbender

—Andrea C.

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Kariba By Daniel Clarke (Created by), James Clarke (Created by), Daniel Snaddon (Created by) Cover Image
By Daniel Clarke (Created by), James Clarke (Created by), Daniel Snaddon (Created by)
$21.99
ISBN: 9781946395825
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Catalyst Press - September 5th, 2023

Junior High written by Tegan Quin & Sara Quin

Before they became a queer indie star duo, twin sisters Tegan and Sara were just like any other middle-schoolers navigating life in Calgary. Growing up is hard enough, but fighting for your individuality with a twin sister in the picture makes it that much harder. Illustrated by the Eisner Award–winner Tillie Walden, this graphic novel is one that I am eagerly anticipating at the end of May! 

—Andera C.

Don’t miss our event with Tegan & Sara on June 2nd!

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Tegan and Sara: Junior High By Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, Tillie Walden (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, Tillie Walden (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9780374313029
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) - May 30th, 2023

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